Our first three launches in the A45 S returned a 4.1-. 4.0-, and 3.9-second run to 100km/h. From that point onwards it was bang on the claimed manufacturer figure until we decided we’d had enough fun.

Engage launch control, build the revs, and simply keep your right foot planted into the firewall while keeping the pocket rocket pointed toward the horizon. It’s that easy.

Pumping 310kW and 500Nm from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to all four wheels was always going to produce an impressive acceleration figure, but the fact that the ‘baby’ AMG was able to rattle off repeatable sub-4.0 second passes all day long shouldn’t be taken for granted.

While some might see the $93,600 price tag as excessive for a hatch, it’s important to remember the performance it offers is unmatched by any muscle car currently on sale in Australia, and enough to threaten sports cars that cost twice as much.